Centre Stage: Heritage Minister Huw Lewis on Artes Mundi

LAST night I opened the fifth Artes Mundi exhibition at National Museum of Art, Cardiff.

LAST night I opened the fifth Artes Mundi exhibition at National Museum of Art, Cardiff.

The shortlisted artists have all produced works that are challenging, thought-provoking and of a high quality, which makes for an excellent exhibition.

Artes Mundi has gone from strength to strength and has helped put Wales on the world map when it comes to the visual arts.

With average audiences of more than 70,000, it has grown in significance and reputation. It is a genuinely international competition that showcases artists from around the world, is recognised globally as being synonymous with exciting works of art, and will, I hope, encourage visual art lovers to come to Wales.

However, the most important aspect of Artes Mundi, in my view, is the opportunity it provides for the people of Wales to experience contemporary visual art of an international standard here in Wales.

The exhibition will be held at National Museum Cardiff’s new contemporary art space which has been created thanks to support of £3m from the Welsh Government – and entry is free thanks to our free entry policy. But this exhibition is not confined to Cardiff. One of the artists will be selected for a solo exhibition at Oriel Mostyn in Llandudno.

There will also be opportunities for the public to get involved with Artes Mundi through free events – workshops for teachers and students, school visits, online educational resources and creative workshops for young people, businesses and the general public.

Creating these opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with contemporary art is the main drive behind the Welsh Government’s support for Artes Mundi through the Arts Council for Wales. This year’s winner of the Artes Mundi prize will be announced on November 29.

While there can only be one winner, the opportunities that the competition will provide will also bring benefits for the people of Wales. I hope that many of you will get involved with Artes Mundi, see the exhibition for yourselves and make up your own minds.

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